I think the only word that comes to mind after attending this years’ PPAI show in Las Vegas is “Wow!” Never before have I seen such a—what’s the right word—menagerie. It was good to finally put a few faces to the e-mails, and probably even more so, it was nice meeting new people with innovative products. I think I speak for many of my coworkers when I send out a big thank you to the wonderful women at the Fresh Beginnings for providing us with what seemed to be an unending stream of cookies. And, while I’d like to admit
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Created for on-the-go individuals, Alo, a women’s and men’s performance apparel brand based in Los Angeles, introduced new styles, unique proprietary technologies and new fabric mixes in its 2008 wholesale collection. Alo, named after the air, land and ocean, prides itself on being a company with a strong connection to the environment. With the inclusion of bamboo in some of its fabric mixes for the 2008 wholesale collection, Alo fortified its mission to help reduce its impact on the environment while positioning itself as a pioneer in the wholesale industry utilizing eco-friendly materials. The bamboo lyocell performance fabric has naturally
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With the introduction of their new shrink-wrap service, Air Cannons Inc. announced that each T-shirt will be wrapped in plastic and ready to launch, providing a nice professional look when a person catches the shirt. The shrink-wrap also protects the T-shirts from dirt and scuffs in case it hits the ground. Previously, T-shirts were wrapped in tape or rubber bands to keep the t-shirt together while in flight. Personalized cannons built by Air Cannons Inc. have been featured in such shows as “American Chopper”, “Pimp My Ride” and in a commercial for ESPN. Air Cannons are used as a marketing tool at events to
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New York-based apparel maker Anvil Knitwear has revealed that the next line in its sustainable apparel collection will be AnvilRecycled T-shirts. The T-shirts are made from a pre-consumer recycled cotton blend and come in nine colors in sizes XS through 4XL. AnvilRecycled T-shirts will be available in Spring 2008. “Anvil Knitwear is committed to environmentally sustainable growth and the production of innovative, eco-friendly products at affordable prices,” said Anthony Corsano, CEO of Anvil Knitwear. “With AnvilRecycled T-shirts, we are able to eliminate waste and reduce energy usage while still offering the same comfort and quality as our traditional cotton shirts.” The
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Hebron, Ohio-based Heritage Sportswear Inc., a supplier in the wholesale imprintable market, announced the addition of two new sales executives—Julie Russell and Phil Anderson. Russell brings to Heritage 12 years experience in the apparel industry. Previously with Georgia-based supplier and distributor Hartwell Industries, Russell will now cover the Michigan territory for Heritage. Russell stated, “I am excited to be a part of the Heritage Sportswear team. This is a great opportunity to be able to present such an extensive product line with the inventory to back it up. I look forward to working with such a customer-driven organization that is supported by a
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Bluesign Technologies, based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, announced Boardroom Custom Clothing and Ecoapparel.ca of Vancouver, British Columbia are new brand members of the bluesign standard. The bluesign standard is an independent, international-quality standard aimed to serve people and the environment. It identifies responsibly acting textile industry suppliers. Bluesign technologies was founded in 2000. Since then, the bluesign standard has been adopted by different leading textile manufacturers, and it meets the general need to do something about sustainability, so that next generations can benefit from an intact environment, without compromising functionality, quality or design. “We are proud to announce that we have gained a
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Ashworth Inc., based in Carlsbad, Calif., announced the acquisition of the Sun Ice and Sunice trademarks from Fletcher Leisure Group Inc. (FLG) of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec. Ashworth expects to launch a new golf-related technical outerwear line during 2008 under this brand in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe. Ashworth established a wholly owned subsidiary, Sunice Holdings Inc., which will own the Sun Ice and Sunice trademarks and be entirely focused on the new technical outerwear line. The product line will be concurrently marketed by the company’s existing sales and marketing team dedicated to Ashworth-branded apparel. FLG will provide design
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Custom HBC Corporation of Waconia, Minn. has named Jean Rouda as its multiline representative for Southern California. Custom HBC president Larry Wilhelm, said, “Jean has a wealth of promotional products and health & beauty care selling experience. She has worked on both the distributor side and as a multiline representative and has a good background in health and beauty products”. Founded in 2000 by Larry Wilhelm, former president of Softsoap Enterprises and Minnetonka Brands Inc., Custom HBC Corporation is a developer, manufacturer and supplier of customized health and beauty care products in the promotional industry. Custom HBC Corporation supplies over 1,500 different health
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Houston-based Scope Apparel, the parent company of Sierra Pacific Apparel, is excited to announce the addition of Umbro, Rawlings and Hilton to its portfolio. The new brands will be marketed to the promotional products and imprinted sportswear markets under the Sierra Pacific umbrella with Sierra Pacific, FeatherLite and Blake & Hollister. Umbro, currently available through S&S Activewear, is a well-established brand known worldwide for its soccer uniforms, footwear and equipment as well as cutting-edge athletic fashion and fan apparel. Rawlings Apparel has been providing innovative products to sports enthusiasts and professional athletes alike since 1887. With a brand awareness rate of 88
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Pittsburgh-based Pro Towels Etc. a leading towel decorator supplier, announced a three-year licensing agreement with Cutter & Buck, the premier golf-inspired sportswear and outerwear brand. The Cutter & Buck Golf Collection will initially include seven styles of golf and caddy towels sold exclusively through supplier Pro Towels Etc. to the promotional products industry beginning April 2008. “Cutter & Buck is very excited to be partnering with ProTowels Etc,, as they are the leader in innovation, production and service in the category for the ad-specialty marketplace.” said Joel Freet, manager of international and domestic licensing for Cutter & Buck. Once launched, the Cutter & Buck
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